BY Nadia Ntiamoah
President John Dramani Mahama has reassured Ghanaians that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling corruption, following the interrogation of about 80 individuals under the flagship anti-graft initiative, Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL).
Speaking to the media on Wednesday night, the President emphasized that due diligence and fairness guide the government’s pursuit of justice, noting that temporary reprieves for accused persons do not equate to impunity.
Launched in December 2024, ORAL was designed as a comprehensive framework to trace, recover, and prosecute corruption-linked cases, particularly those involving former public officials.
The initiative quickly gained public attention, receiving over 25,000 complaints from citizens, civil society organizations, and whistleblowers. Out of these, 2,500 complaints were formally processed, with 280 deemed to have prosecutorial merit.
Since inception, the operation has seen the investigation of 80 individuals, several arrests, and ongoing trials, though no convictions have been recorded to date.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction. It is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process, and fairness in the pursuit of justice. Yes, our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief.
“But let me be clear, it will not grant them permanent escape. Across multiple fronts, active pursuits and prosecutions are well underway under the Operation Recover All the Loots. Over 200 cases are under active investigation, with about 80 people interrogated so far”, he indicated.
President Mahama highlighted key cases currently progressing in court.
In the Republic v. Adu Boaheng and three others, including the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, witness statements have been submitted, and the trial has begun, with the first of three prosecution witnesses cross-examined. In the controversial Accra SkyTrain project case, prosecutors have secured a trial date after preliminary matters were concluded.
Charges are also being prepared for the National Service Authority case involving Osei Assibey, Eric Nyarko, and Gifty Oware, while the National Cathedral project awaits a forensic audit from the Auditor-General.
Additional cases, including Republic v. Wontumi and Akonta Mining, the Buffer Stock case, DRIP Equipment case, and investigations into the African Cup of Nations and Mathematics Set scandals, remain active.
“Also for the National Cathedral, we are awaiting a forensic audit from the Auditor General. Additionally, charges have been drafted and are ready for filing in the case of Republic v. Wontumi and Akonta Mining. The Economic and Organized Crime Office, EOCO, is finalizing its report with respect to Exim Bank transactions.
“Dockets are in preparation for the Buffer Stock case and the Drip Equipment case. Investigations are ongoing into the African Cup of Nations case, the Mathematics set case, and approximately 20 other cases currently. Let me be clear, every single case of corruption that needs to be investigated is being looked into, and once evidence is found to ground the prosecution, that will happen and happen swiftly”, he said.
The ORAL initiative, however, has not escaped criticism. Some citizens argue that the reliance on public complaints without sufficient preliminary evidence has slowed progress, while others accuse the government of shielding powerful individuals.
Adding to the scrutiny, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey, recently warned party-affiliated lawyers against negotiating behind-the-scenes deals to protect alleged offenders, calling such actions a potential sabotage of the government’s anti-corruption campaign.
